Workplace first aid kit contents must be adequate for the types of injuries and illnesses reasonably expected in each work environment. OSHA requires employers under 29 CFR 1910.151 (general industry) and 29 CFR 1926.50 (construction) to provide first aid supplies that are readily accessible, properly stocked and appropriate for the hazards present. The ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 standard provides the minimum contents benchmark that most employers use to meet this obligation, though high-hazard workplaces typically need supplies well beyond the ANSI minimum.

OSHA First Aid Kit Requirements

OSHA does not publish a single mandatory list of first aid kit contents. Instead, the agency takes a performance-based approach: employers must ensure that first aid materials are "adequate and readily available" based on the specific hazards in their workplace. This means the contents of a first aid kit in an office building will differ significantly from one on a construction site or in a chemical manufacturing plant.

For construction sites, OSHA 1926.50(d)(1) is more prescriptive, requiring at least one first aid kit for every 25 workers and referencing the contents recommended in ANSI Z308.1 as the baseline. OSHA also requires that first aid kits be weatherproof in outdoor environments and that the contents be checked and replenished before being sent to each job site.

Free Download: 5 Safe Work Procedures

Choose from 112 professionally written SWPs. No credit card required.

Get Free SWPs

The Consulting Physician Requirement

OSHA's general industry standard (1910.151) states that first aid supplies should be "approved by the consulting physician." This means employers should have a medical professional review their first aid kit contents based on workplace hazards, number of employees and proximity to emergency medical services. In practice, many employers satisfy this by following ANSI standards and documenting their hazard assessment, but the consulting physician review adds an extra layer of compliance assurance.

ANSI Z308.1 Minimum First Aid Kit Contents

The ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 standard establishes the minimum supplies for a basic workplace first aid kit. The current edition specifies two classes of kits:

Class A - Basic Workplace Environments

Class A kits are designed for common workplace injuries in low-risk environments such as offices, retail spaces and light manufacturing. Required contents include:

Class B - High-Risk Workplace Environments

Class B kits are designed for environments with more complex hazards and larger workforces such as construction sites, warehouses and manufacturing plants. Class B kits contain all Class A items in greater quantities plus additional supplies:

First Aid Supplies by Workplace Type

While ANSI provides the minimum baseline, smart employers customize their first aid kits based on their specific hazard profile. Here is what to consider for common workplace types.

Office and Commercial Workplaces

Office injuries tend to involve minor cuts, burns from break room equipment, slips and falls and ergonomic strain. A Class A kit supplemented with the following usually suffices:

Construction Sites

Construction first aid kits face harsher conditions and more severe injury potential. Beyond the Class B minimum, construction kits should include:

Construction first aid kits must be stored in weatherproof containers and positioned so that no worker is more than a few minutes away from supplies. For jurisdictions with specific first aid requirements, verify that your kit contents meet or exceed local regulations as well as federal standards.

Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities

Manufacturing environments introduce chemical exposure, machine-related lacerations, burns and eye injuries. Industrial first aid kits should add:

Remote and Outdoor Workplaces

Worksites far from hospitals - including forestry, mining and pipeline operations - need expanded kits that can sustain patient care until evacuation arrives. Consider adding:

First Aid Kit Placement and Accessibility

Having the right supplies means nothing if workers cannot reach them quickly. OSHA requires that first aid materials be "readily available," which means:

A general guideline is to place first aid kits so that no worker is more than a 3-4 minute walk from supplies. In large facilities, this may require multiple kits on each floor or in each department. Construction sites should have kits at the site office, on each active floor and in each major work zone.

First Aid Kit Inspection and Maintenance

A first aid kit with expired supplies, empty compartments or missing components is a liability, not an asset. Regular inspection and replenishment is essential.

Inspection Frequency

Documenting Inspections

Maintaining inspection records demonstrates compliance during OSHA audits and ensures accountability. Each inspection log should document the date, inspector name, kit location, items found missing or expired and replacement actions taken. A document management system keeps these records organized, searchable and accessible for audits.

Expiration Date Management

Many first aid supplies have expiration dates that affect their effectiveness:

Set calendar reminders or use inventory management software to flag upcoming expirations so replacements are ordered before items expire.

First Aid Training Requirements

Supplies without trained responders provide limited value. OSHA requires employers to ensure the availability of first aid trained personnel when a medical facility is not "in near proximity" to the workplace. The construction standard (1926.50) is more explicit, requiring at least one person with valid first aid certification on each job site.

First aid training programs should cover CPR, AED use, bleeding control, shock management, burn treatment and emergency scene assessment at minimum. Training certifications typically expire every two years and must be renewed to remain compliant.

Centralize Your First Aid Compliance

Managing first aid kit inventories, inspection schedules, training certifications and jurisdiction-specific requirements across multiple locations or job sites is a logistical challenge. When one kit goes uninspected or one certification lapses, the gap creates both a compliance risk and a safety risk.

A centralized safety management platform automates inspection reminders, stores training records, tracks supply inventories and generates audit-ready documentation - all from a single dashboard.

Ready to simplify your first aid compliance? Request a demo to see how Make Safety Easy tracks inspections, certifications and compliance documentation across every location, or review our pricing to find the right plan for your team.